It can be genuinely challenging for you sometimes if you are the primary caregiver for an aging relative. It’s easy for you to get frustrated, and sometimes it feels as though you need infinite patience.
Over 5 million people endure elder abuse each year. Even if you know in your heart that you would never do something to harm your elderly charge, you need ways to administer to them without having a nervous breakdown.
That’s where the following apps can be a huge help to you. Technology exists now that never did before, and some of it is certainly useful in the area of eldercare.
AARP Caregiving
The AARP Caregiving app is one that has lots of potential uses as you try to tend to the needs of an aging relative. It allows you to:
AARP is one of the most well-known organizations for older adults, so it’s no wonder that this app was so well designed. What might be best about it is the help center, where you can get answers to frequently asked questions. It is also free for both Android and iOS devices, so you can download it and set it up within seconds.
Care.com App
Care.com has an app where you can find qualified, temporary help for your loved ones. If you need to go out of town and want to make sure your elderly family member is in safe hands, this is an excellent choice for you to explore. It comes with:
You can facilitate payment through the app, which makes the whole process much easier. You can also see through their profile if the caregiver you’ve selected has ever assisted anyone with the particular conditions your relative has. It is available for Android and iOS as well.
First Aid by American Red Cross
The Red Cross has been a trusted entity for so many years, and the First Aid app they’ve come up with is getting rave reviews. This app can remind you about some of the basics, such as CPR and various first aid techniques.
It gives you detailed yet concise directions as to what you should do in various situations. If your elderly relative experiences acute trauma, this app might help you to save their life.
You can decode symptoms to identify the most likely reason for a particular behavior or physical appearance. If your relative does not have the best communicative abilities anymore, then you should definitely consider this app.
You can get it for iOS and Android.
Elder 411
The Elder 411 app was developed by Marion Somers, an award-winning, highly respected geriatric doctor. This is a one-stop-shop for information related to many different conditions that primarily affect older adults.
You can get communication tips there, and also suggestions regarding safety in the home. The app starts with the basics, then moves on to more advanced territory. There is even a section about managing stress as a caregiver, and that feature alone might make this is a worthy download for you.
It costs $0.99 and is available for iOS.
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Buddy
The final app on this list is the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Buddy application. Alzheimer’s is a particularly tragic disease, as it can erode an individual’s mind to the point where they can’t always remember who or where they are. That makes it extremely challenging to attend to them as a caregiver.
This app can help you manage your stress level, and it can also connect you with a helpline if you have any specific questions or concerns. There is also a section about managing family conflict that is overlooked by some comparable apps.
You can get care tips related to meals, your patient’s hygiene, and fun activities that you can try if the individual you are taking care of has lapsed into dementia. There is also a section that explains how to deal with hallucinations or aggressive behavior.
Caring for an elderly patient is frequently a challenging experience. However, you must understand that there are few more noble things that you can be doing. Hopefully, these apps will help both you and the elderly relative whose life you are trying to make as comfortable and fulfilling as possible.
